If you enjoy reading books by Barbara Neely then you might also like the following authors:
Valerie Wilson Wesley is known for her mysteries that focus on characters who feel real and relatable. Her book “When Death Comes Stealing” introduces Tamara Hayle, a private investigator in Newark, New Jersey.
In this story, Tamara gets pulled into a case involving the death of her ex-husband’s sons. The suspense builds as she unravels a web of family secrets and danger. Wesley’s writing pulls you into Tamara’s world, where both her cases and personal life are filled with challenges.
Fans of Barbara Neely’s wit and social insights might enjoy exploring Wesley’s work.
Alexander McCall Smith is a writer known for creating charming and thoughtful characters. His book “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” introduces Mma Precious Ramotswe, Botswana’s first female detective.
In the story, she opens her agency to solve local mysteries, often involving ordinary people with everyday problems. Her cases range from finding lost loved ones to uncovering small secrets, all while celebrating community and kindness.
Mma Ramotswe’s intelligence and warm approach make her investigations feel personal, with gentle humor and insights into life in Botswana. Readers are drawn into her world as she handles each challenge with grace and determination.
Gwendolyn Southin writes mysteries set in mid-20th-century Vancouver, offering a mix of crime and life in post-war Canada. Her book “Death in a Family Way” introduces middle-aged widow Margaret Spencer, who becomes an assistant to private investigator Nat Southby.
They investigate the disappearance of a pregnant girl, uncovering dark secrets and unexpected connections. The story has a strong sense of time and place, with Margaret breaking societal norms as she enters the world of private detection.
Fans of Barbara Neely might appreciate Southin’s focus on character-driven mysteries with unique perspectives.
Chester Himes was an American writer known for his sharp and vivid crime fiction, often set in Harlem. His book, “A Rage in Harlem,” kicks off his Harlem Detective series.
The story follows Jackson, a gullible man who gets drawn into a chaotic mess after his girlfriend tricks him with a fake gold scheme. As Jackson tries to fix things, he crosses paths with shady characters, stolen loot, and murder.
Two detectives, Grave Digger Jones and Coffin Ed Johnson, try to restore order as the streets erupt with danger and confusion. Himes weaves humor and suspense into a fast-paced tale where the unpredictable world of Harlem takes center stage.
Marcia Muller is an author known for creating Sharon McCone, a private investigator in a long-running mystery series. In the book “Edwin of the Iron Shoes,” Sharon gets involved in a case after an antique dealer is murdered.
The story pulls you into San Francisco’s art and antiques scene, where secrets hide in plain sight. Muller’s stories offer a smart, grounded protagonist who faces challenges with determination and sharp observation.
Fans of Barbara Neely will appreciate the mix of social issues and clever investigation.
Sue Grafton is the author behind the popular “Alphabet Series,” which revolves around Kinsey Millhone, a private investigator with a sharp mind and a no-nonsense approach. In “A is for Alibi,” Kinsey takes on a case involving a woman accused of poisoning her husband.
The story dives into the details of relationships and secrets, with Kinsey uncovering clues and interviewing people connected to the victim. Grafton creates an atmosphere full of tension, and Kinsey’s resourcefulness keeps you wanting more.
If you enjoy mysteries that focus on a strong, clever detective, Sue Grafton’s books are worth a read.
Attica Locke writes crime fiction with a strong sense of place and characters. Her book “Bluebird, Bluebird” follows Darren Mathews, a Black Texas Ranger who investigates a string of murders in a small East Texas town.
The story explores race, justice, and the secrets of a tight-knit community. Locke brings the small-town dynamics vividly to life, making the tension between the locals impossible to miss.
Naomi Hirahara is a writer known for crime stories rooted in history and culture. In her book “Clark and Division,” she tells the story of Aki Ito, a young Japanese American woman whose family is released from an internment camp during World War II.
They relocate to Chicago, only to face the tragic death of Aki’s sister, Rose. Aki refuses to believe it was an accident and uncovers the secrets of her sister’s life in the city.
This mystery reflects the challenges of Japanese Americans during that time and unfolds in a way that keeps you turning pages.
Walter Mosley is a well-known writer who focuses on crime and mystery, often shining a light on the experiences of Black Americans. His novel “Devil in a Blue Dress” introduces Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins, a World War II veteran trying to make ends meet in 1948 Los Angeles.
Easy takes on a risky job to find a missing woman, but things quickly spiral into danger and secrets. The book explores community, survival, and the challenges faced by those pushed to the margins of society.
Sara Paretsky is best known for her mystery novels featuring private investigator V.I. Warshawski, a tough and intelligent woman who takes on challenging cases in Chicago.
In her book “Deadlock,” V.I. investigates the suspicious death of her beloved cousin, a professional hockey player. The case leads her into the cutthroat world of shipping and corporate greed, with dangerous secrets at every turn.
Paretsky’s writing offers a sharp focus on issues of justice while keeping readers hooked with twists and smart dialogue.
Tanya Huff is a Canadian author known for her mix of humor, strong characters, and stories that often blend mystery with the supernatural.
In “Smoke and Shadows,” she introduces Tony Foster, a former street kid who now works as a production assistant for a vampire detective TV show in Vancouver. When strange, otherworldly events begin disrupting the set, Tony finds himself dealing with real supernatural threats.
The balance of everyday life on a TV set and encounters with the paranormal makes the story unique and engaging.
Rita Mae Brown is a writer known for crafting mysteries that blend sharp wit with engaging characters. One of her well-loved books is “Wish You Were Here,” the first in the Mrs. Murphy series.
The story takes place in a small Virginia town, where postmistress Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen teams up with her clever cat Mrs. Murphy and a corgi named Tucker to unravel strange murders. Unusual clues, like peculiar stamps on envelopes, hint at the killer’s identity.
The animal companions add charm and often notice things their human friends overlook, making every clue and twist part of the fun. Fans of Barbara Neely’s work might enjoy the community dynamics and strong personalities that guide the story.
Catherine Coulter writes stories filled with mystery and unforgettable characters. In her book “The Cove,” she introduces readers to Sally Brainerd, a woman escaping danger, and FBI agent James Quinlan, who is after the truth.
The story takes place in a seemingly peaceful small town, but secrets bubble under the surface. Tension builds as Sally tries to stay safe, while Quinlan pursues answers that could uncover deadly truths.
Fans of Barbara Neely’s thought-provoking mysteries might enjoy Coulter’s fast-paced plots and intriguing characters.
Diane Mott Davidson writes mysteries with a culinary twist, blending humor and good storytelling. One of her popular books, “Catering to Nobody,” introduces Goldy Bear, a caterer who finds herself caught in a murder investigation after a poisoning incident at one of her events.
The story is packed with quirky characters, tasty descriptions of food, and a clever mystery that keeps you turning the pages. If you enjoy mysteries that mix crime with slices of everyday life, her work might be a fun choice for you.
Eleanor Taylor Bland wrote mysteries that shine a light on community, race, and justice. Her most well-known character, Detective Marti MacAlister, is a Black homicide detective juggling her work and personal life.
In “Dead Time,” Marti has to solve the murder of a homeless woman while dealing with the challenges of life in a small Midwestern town. The book weaves everyday struggles with the complexity of a gripping case, creating a story that feels real and engaging.